Interesting Facts About Hazardous Household Waste

5 Must-Knows About Hazardous Household Wastes

Ever stopped to consider what is household hazardous waste? It’s not just the bubbling, gooey substance known to most of us. Many household hazardous waste products come neatly packaged, which find storage in our kitchen cabinets and shelves! Though unassuming, they can be deadly if one is not careful.

Good things come in small packages and dangerous things come neatly packaged. Household cleaning products and solvents like cleansers, pesticides, paint, batteries, and even perfumes are household hazardous waste products. Don’t be fooled by their appearance for they can pose a great risk if not handled or disposed off with care. Here are five “handle with care tips” to help you in the long run.

5 Household Hazardous Waste Facts to Know

1. Storage for your safety

It’s never a good idea to store products containing hazardous substances in food containers. The chemicals and toxins present in them tend to linger for a long time afterwards even after repeated washing. It’s best to store them in their original containers with their labels on. Re-label them if you have to and most importantly keep them out of the way of children and safeguard them from any mishaps.

2. Don’t buy more than what you need

Finding safer alternatives to common hazardous substances is a good option. There are quite a number of non-toxic products available, which serve the purpose fairly well. Most of the time, however, purchasing hazardous household material cannot be avoided. So, when the need arises, buy just the amount you need. Don’t stack up on them because you could possibly be inviting trouble.

3. Refrain from mixing products

Never mix cleansing agents or left over material with other products. No matter how harmless they may seem or how effective they can be, it’s best to leave them alone especially when you don’t know what you’re doing. Mixing of incompatible products could react harshly, putting you and your family in harm’s way.

4. How to dispose of hazardous household waste

Special care should be taken in disposing of hazardous household waste. That would mean never pour any leftover waste down your kitchen sink or toilet drain. It could contaminate septic tanks or any waste water treatment systems if poured down drains. Never dispose of toxic or corrosive liquids in your kitchen garbage as well, as they may leave behind residual chemicals. Try to use up the product entirely and then dispose them separately.

5. Recycling hazardous household waste

Check the product you purchase for any recycling program after its use, or take any leftover substance to your nearest local waste agency for recycling or proper disposal. Sometimes, it’s best to leave it to the experts.

As important as it is to know what is household hazardous waste, it’s equally imperative to be aware of the risks and dangers associated with it. Accidents don’t need a reason to happen. On your part, you should take special care to monitor the storage, use and disposal of hazardous waste material to ensure a safe environment for your home and precious family.

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